Philippine Sports News and Updates

LAS VEGAS – Five Filipino fighters scored big wins in two days here, giving credence to Top Rank chairman Bob Arum’s speculation that someday soon, there will be at least 10 reigning Filipino world champions.

At the moment, the Filipino world titleholders are WBO minimumweight Donnie Nietes, IBF lightflyweight Brian Viloria, IBF flyweight Nonito Donaire Jr. and newly crowned IBO lightwelterweight Manny Pacquiao.

Last Friday, three Filipinos saw action in a Top Rank show at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Hurdling their assignments were Mark Jason Melligen, Michael Farenas and Dennis Laurente – all southpaws like Pacquiao.

Melligen, 23, pounded out a unanimous eight-round decision over Ramon Montano to raise his record to 14-1, with 10 KOs. The scores were 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74. It was Melligen’s second US victory after the lightwelterweight prospect halted Gerardo Prieto in the sixth round in Colorado last March.

Farenas, 24, made short work of Walter Estrada, a veteran of 44 bouts, as he scored a knockout at 2:59 of the first. Gerry Peñalosa’s featherweight protégé from Sorsogon improved his record to 25-2-2, with 22 KOs. Fans were impressed by Farenas’ power.

Laurente, 31, outpointed previously unbeaten Marvin Cordova Jr. in an eight-rounder with identical scores of 77-74. His manager Johnny Elorde and wife Liza were at ringside to witness Laurente, a former Oriental lightweight champion now campaigning in the 140-pound division, trounce Cordova. Laurente’s record is now 31-3-5, with 16 KOs.

Concepcion, lined up for a shot at the WBO crown held by Steven Luevano, fell to the canvas after a collision of heads in the first round. Referee Vic Drakulich didn’t rule it a knockdown. There was no question who was the superior fighter as judges Duane Ford, Dick Houck and Robert Hoyle all saw it 60-54 for Concepcion.

The win upped Concepcion’s record to 29-1-1, with 17 KOs. Herrera-Campo’s mark dropped to 21-9, with 15 KOs.

Concepcion said he’ll go to Los Angeles with the Pacquiao entourage and leave for home on Thursday. His manager Aljoe Jaro will leave two days earlier.

“I was screaming and cheering for Manny,” said Concepcion. “His win really inspired me. I was groggy after that headbutt in my fight. I tried to go after him but he kept running away. I couldn’t knock him out because he wouldn’t engage. I was supposed to fight Luevano for the WBO title in the undercard but he got injured. I’m waiting for him. I know I can beat him.”

Luevano is trained by former superfeatherweight champion Robert Garcia who also takes care of Viloria.

• Philstar
• Philippine Sports Central